The Morton Panthers unveiled the new renovated entrance to Panther Stadium this past Friday night, and the Panthers added to the night by defeating district foe SE Lauderdale on the field. The Panthers are riding a two-game winning streak going into a big game against their rival Forest Bearcats.
With the win the Panthers now have sole possession of second place in Region 5 at 2-1 and hold their playoff destiny in their own hands.
Against SE Lauderdale, the Panthers scored first and never relinquished the lead in what ended up a close game. The Panthers built a 14-7 halftime lead, and then added another third quarter touchdown before depending on their defense to hold the visiting Tigers in check for the win.
Panthers quarterback James Johnson had a solid night throwing the football completing 13-of-17 passes for 171 yards and one touchdown. Sophomore running back Robert Jennings lead the way for the Morton rushing game with 17 carries for 90 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Brandon White added the other Panther score on a touchdown run.
Tyler Walton lead the way for the Panther-D with 10 total tackles and one caused fumble. Jennings was right there as well with 7 tackles as the Panthers came through when they needed it most to secure the win.
With the win, the Panthers move to 4-5 on the season and 2-1 in Region 5. The Panthers will look to end a streak that’s over a decade old when they travel to Forest this Friday night to take on the Bearcats in the Battle for the Golden Chicken.
Panther head coach Sean Gerald knows this is a big game for his team and his program, but he is not losing prospective on the rivalry game. “Our goal at the beginning of the year was to either win the district or make the playoffs, and to do either of those we have to beat Forest,” he said. “This is a big week for our players and students, but a win at Forest would help us accomplish one of our pre-season goals.”
The Bearcats are marred in one of their worst seasons in decades, but there is no doubt they will be ready to play when they host the Panthers Friday night at L.O. Atkins Field in Forest.Kickoff for the annual Battle of the Golden Chicken will be at 7:00 p.m. Friday night in Forest.
